Clare Woods Academy Student Develops Business

Gena Mattice Selling Her Jewelry at a Local Craft Fair. (Posted by Barbara Cerny, Community Contributor)

Community Contributor Barbara Cerny

Gena Mattice is a student at Clare Woods Academy in Wheaton, IL. The mission of Clare Woods Academy is to assist children with developmental and learning disabilities to become self-sufficient and self-directed in areas of personal growth, general health, education, social and emotional well-being and functional living skills. Founded in 1968 in Bartlett (Il.), Clare Woods Academy moved to Wheaton in 2013. The Academy serves the educational needs of eighty-three students from over thirty schools. Gena Mattice has a very unique talent in that she beads in patterns completely from memory. Pam, her mother says, "Gena is very artistic and quickly learned how to create jewelry. She started making necklaces and bracelets when she was 12 years old. Over the years she has developed her jewelry skills. I am so proud of her. She has a real God-given talent." Gena is hard working and puts a lot of time and effort into making her jewelry. Her dedication and hard work to her craft make her an outstanding example to her peers. She sells her jewelry at local craft fairs and has developed a business for herself called "Gena's Jewelry." Gena said, "I like all kinds of beads, and I enjoy making designs. I want to make jewelry that is popular. I go to craft fairs so I can sell my jewelry." Gena is an example of someone using her special abilities to their fullest. John Utterback, Principal of Clare Woods Academy stated, "Gena exemplifies the level of achievement that many of our students attain. She is a credit to herself, her family, and the community."

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